Arsenal have received a massive injury boost as striker Olivier Giroud will return to training after this month’s international break.
The French striker picked up a foot injury during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw over Everton at Goodison Park earlier in August. Earlier, it was anticipated the 28-year-old will be out of action till the end of the calendar year.
However, the Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed Giroud to be three weeks ahead in his preparation to return to the first team.
“[He is doing] very well. He’s three weeks ahead of schedule and I think he will join in normal training after the international break,” Arsenal’s official website quoted Wenger as saying.
“Yes of course [It is a boost for Arsenal]. He’s miles ahead of schedule.”
With Giroud’s injury, Wenger went ahead and signed Danny Welbeck from Manchester United on the deadline day. Since making a switch to the North London club, the England international has scored only twice in the Premier League for the Gunners.
However, the news of Giroud’s return to training later this month would come as a welcome boost for Wenger and Arsenal. The French international’s return to the first team will only give the Gunners boss more options during the team selection.
In addition to this, Welbeck’s compatriot Theo Walcott has also returned to training and was named on the bench during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Sunderland. The forward’s return will only strengthen the Emirates club when they head into the second half of the season. Wenger, however, says Walcott is still not ready to get on the field.
“Theo Walcott is not ready yet. He has been out for too long to start. If I can give him some competition I am happy to do it,” Arsenal manager said.
“He is eager to play but that is always the period when the patience of a player is tested. They feel ready and they want to play and usually it is only later that they realise they were not completely ready.”
“I know Theo well and he is a very intelligent player. He knows as well that he is not completely there yet,” Wenger added.
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